Yoko Kanno Interview – Iconic Composer Talks J-POP SOUND CAPSULE & More

Captivating fans worldwide (including us!), Acclaimed Composer Yoko Kanno has created defining, genre-crossing works for classics like Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, and Macross Frontier.

Ahead of her J-POP SOUND CAPSULE Anime Expo 2026 performance, we spoke with Yoko Kanno about her rich line of work – learn more with our interview…

Yoko Kanno Interview – Iconic Composer Talks J-POP SOUND CAPSULE & More

Gamers Heroes

I love the all-star cast of musicians – including you! – at this year’s J-POP SOUND CAPSULE! 

What are you most proud of regarding this upcoming concert?

Yoko Kanno

I’m deeply honored to have been invited to such a large venue, alongside such a magnificent lineup of fellow artists. 

Normally I work shut away on my own and rarely meet many people. How will everyone respond, I wonder? 

I’m truly looking forward to getting to share that time and space with all of you in the audience.

Gamers Heroes

I love your work on “TANK! Extended!”

What inspired you all to update this iconic track?

Yoko Kanno

This is the version we performed at a live show a few years ago. 

I love making arrangements specifically for live performance, and most of the time they’re something you only get to hear once, at the show — but there was a miraculous day when my usual musicians were all able to gather, so we recorded and filmed it. 

“Tank!” is a fairly short piece, so this comes out of my own wish to keep dancing a little longer (haha).

Gamers Heroes

How have you and your bandmates helped each other grow over the years?

Yoko Kanno

Many of the musicians I trust and call on are friends I’ve known since my late teens. 

The bandmates I made music with back then went on to do remarkable things, each becoming a leading figure in their own field. I’m truly proud of them, and I hope more light shines on them. 

They play pieces we recorded twenty years ago with even sharper, cooler execution, so I want to answer that with arrangements that are just as cool.

Gamers Heroes

What are some of your favorite community stories when it comes to events like Anime Expo?

Yoko Kanno

What moves me is the way they sing in Japanese, the way they speak about a twenty-year-old work as if they’d seen it only yesterday.

Gamers Heroes

Where do you find inspiration regarding your own unique music style?

Yoko Kanno

Smell. Humidity. Temperature. Things you take in with the five senses — with the body.

Gamers Heroes

What is one piece of advice you wish you could give your past self?

Yoko Kanno

Empty your strength. Be like water.

Gamers Heroes

Finally, what is one piece of advice you’d love to give to aspiring musicians looking to follow in your footsteps?

Yoko Kanno

Stay as you are.

Happening July 2 from 8-11pm PT at the Crypto.com Arena (Google Maps link for convenience!), one can get their tickets for the J-POP SOUND CAPSULE via its official website.

Yoko Kanno will be performing alongside ALI, Roselia, SPYAIR, and Yoko Takahashi!

For those feeling social, be sure to follow Yoko Kanno via her official Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube social media channels.

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